You've Got to Be Kidding!: Real-life parenting advice from a mom and dad of nineteen

by Pat Williams, Ruth Williams

Kid-Tested (and Tested, and Tested…) Guidance for Parents in the Trenches.
The Inside Track to Raising Kids.

Most of us find raising one, two…or maybe three or four children to be challenging enough. The idea of parenting a half dozen seems almost crazy, and more children than that–impossible. But Pat and Ruth Williams have together raised (and are continuing to raise) nineteen kids. More importantly, they’ve not just survived the process–they’ve loved it!

What do they know that the rest of us don’t? What does it take to make a family of any size not only work, but thrive? After bringing up nineteen kids–as biological parents, adoptive parents, single parents, and step-parents–Pat and Ruth Williams have gained a volume of insights and experience that will enrich your home, strengthen your family, and help you be the parent you want to be. Inside you’ll find counsel that really works–whether you’re raising one child, one dozen (or more), or any number in between.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Patrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.

Reviews

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I assumed this was written by a long married couple who decided to have and adopt many children when in actuality it is a second marriage blended family (4 his, 1 hers, 14 adopted) with many interesting stories and insights on parenthood. They are an unconventional family and I enjoyed the dynamics and writing style of the book.